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Work exp a boost for M.Arch I applications?

cfso1952

Am I at a disadvantage if I apply for top M.Arch I programs (GSD, MIT caliber) straight out of my bachelor's degree in engineering without any work experience (maybe an internship during my studies, unlikely in architecture-related field)

Just wondering....since many ppl in top M.Arch programs I've talked seem to have worked few years before applying

 
Apr 8, 09 12:29 am
987654321

No. But I suggest you at least try working in the field before you go back to school for another four years. The bill ain't cheap and you should try it before you buy it.

Apr 8, 09 1:32 am  · 
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ARCHCareersGuide.com

Unlike MBA programs, applicants are not at a disadvantage with respect to their admission to graduate programs however, working within the field would be beneficial to you for a variety of reasons.

money
potential letter of recommendation from employer
assist you determine what you truly want to do
gain experience to help you with employment opportunity after your graduate studies
provide you greater insight on architecture for your studies.

www.archcareers.org

Apr 8, 09 6:40 am  · 
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minilarchi

I'm in a similar position of trying to figure out whether to go directly for a first professional mla after graduating or waiting a year to save money ...

it's fine and easy to say "try it before you commit" but, how likely is it that design firms will hire you without any proper training? seems like a slim chance

Apr 8, 09 9:14 am  · 
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Bluesman7

I think you're almost at an advantage (no real architecture experience, no architecture degree). Schools like that like applicants who know nothing about architecture, so they can teach them whatever they want.

Apr 8, 09 11:08 am  · 
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bartleby

I would be wary of applying to graduate school without at least a little work experience at firm -- the practice of architecture at most firms is quite different from an academic environment, and it would be good to get a sense of what the environment is actually like before commiting.

Take a look at the M.Arch Commiseration thread, and it seems like many succesful applicants to top schools had significant architecture work experience or architectural degrees from undergrad (contrary to what admissions might tell you).

Apr 8, 09 2:16 pm  · 
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